Omerta's Kiss

"This isn't natural, but you're now a recessive omega. I'll prescribe medication for your heat cycles and a pheromone suppressant. Even as a recessive omega, a dominant alpha could still detect you, so this is for your safety." Leaving the hospital, Eunho couldn't believe his Beta identity had changed. He clutched his head, the doctor's explanation adding to his mounting confusion. *FLASHBACK* "Doctor, how did this happen? How did my identity change? I don't understand," Eunho asked, bewildered. "Mr. Park, your hormonal shift was likely caused by extreme stress or trauma. Intense emotional or physical trauma can theoretically cause such a shift." *END FLASHBACK* "Extreme stress or trauma? I became an omega because of stress! Stress over my gambling father's debts! Damn it! If this was the result, I should've just let my dad face his creditors!" Eunho muttered angrily, attracting the attention of other hospital visitors. Frustrated, Eunho retrieved his motorcycle. He needed to work at the coffee shop to earn their daily living expenses. "This is all my father's fault," he grumbled. "I should have kept him locked up at home so he couldn't gamble and sink us deeper into debt. And now I have to hide this from my coworkers at the coffee shop—they're all Alphas!" After retrieving his motorcycle, Eunho headed to the pharmacy for his prescriptions. He donned his helmet and sped off. Passing a familiar park, he stopped and gazed at it. "Years have passed," he mused. "I wonder how he is. If he ever returns to Busan, he'll get a punch for disappearing without a word." A smile touched Eunho's lips as he thought of his childhood friend, whom he considered a brother. "Hey, Seo-In, you're probably still alive, right? You remember Busan, right? Your stupid wish came true—I'm not a Beta anymore, I'm an Omega. You'd probably laugh at me," Eunho said, the longing for his friend undeniable. Arriving at the coffee shop, Eunho immediately took his suppressant and bought perfume to mask his omega pheromones. His shift went smoothly, and none of his coworkers suspected anything. After work, Eunho went home via the market to buy groceries. And when he came hom he was surprised to find a black car parked in front of his house. "Whose car is that? Don't tell me dad's creditors are here again. Ugh! Is this old man never going to stop causing problems?" Eunho worried, hurrying inside. "Hanseo!" he called to his younger brother. He stopped short, seeing his brother and father sitting nervously on the edge of a chair, a man standing before them with his back turned. "Eunho! They just barged in…" his brother whispered, frightened. Eunho noticed several men in suits standing nearby. He cursed silently; his father's creditors were causing trouble again. "Did you borrow money again, Dad?!" Eunho snapped. His father shook his head. "No, I don't even know them." "That's your usual excuse! When will you ever learn, Dad?!" Eunho scolded, taking a deep breath before addressing the man standing before his father and brother. "Uh, excuse me, sir. If my father owes you a large sum, could you give me a few days to save up for the payment? I know I'm not in a position to ask, but I can't give you anything right—" "—you never changed, hyung. You always put others before yourself," the man interrupted, his familiar voice making Eunho freeze. "Wh-who are you?" "How are you, hyung? Long time no see." Eunho's eyes widened as the man turned. He hadn't seen him in years. He'd last seen him as a teenager, but he recognized him despite the significant changes. "Ha-Han… Seo-In...?" Eunho stammered, calling out his name. Even though Seo-In smiled, Eunho felt a chill, though his surprise at seeing him again was stronger.